Tweet
I don't know what possessed me to buy watercress plants, but they looked really healthy and the nurseryman said I didn't need to grow them by a stream, but now I've got them home and read some entries in my gardening books I'm not so sure. Do they need to be in open ground, or better in containers so I can saturate them regularly? Help and advice please.
-
Granny on the Game in Sheffield -
Hi
I grew watercress from plants last year in an old tin bath. Kept the soil boggy and it did well. This year I have sown some seed to try. I have lined a pot with old plastic from compost bags, pierced a few drainage holes (but not too many) and added compost and a bit of my clay soil from the garden and made it really wet. Will be interested to see if they germinate!AKA Angie -
We grew some watercress "Aqua" in a pots of compost last year, and they were fine before running to seed, probably because we neglected them more than anything though.Comment
-
Vaguely remember reading somewhere that the best way was to grow it in a container, that was itself standing in a tray of water - & that you kept the tray topped up with water all the time.
At least it'll keep the slugs at bay!Many people have eaten in my kitchen & gone on to lead normal, healthy lives.Comment
-
Hmm I thought this applied to watercress in rivers etc where god know what chemicals could be in the water. The watercress I grew last year, tho in boggy conditions still had drainage and was topped up with fresh water when needed. We ate it all last summer with no probs. This years seeds are in sterile compost and will once again have enough drainage to allow water to drain off. Having said that, I woudn't grow it in a pond.AKA AngieComment
-
I grew it last year in a pot with a saucer under, kept it wet all the time and it did just fine.Comment
-
Thanks very much for all the advice, I've taken it all on board. Last time I saw a tin bath was when my 2 up 2 down was pulled down and I gave the bath away to the milkman as a water trough for his cows! Wish I'd kept it now to grow veg in!Granny on the Game in SheffieldComment
-
Yeah, someone was about to chuck it out but always having an eye out for a potential container I grabbed it! It already had holes in the bottom where it had rusted so all I did was give it a bit of a paint job
What about an old bucket?
AKA AngieComment
-
You've given me an idea, I have an old battered washing up bowl that has been put to various uses in the garden, I'll use that!Originally posted by selfraising View PostYeah, someone was about to chuck it out but always having an eye out for a potential container I grabbed it! It already had holes in the bottom where it had rusted so all I did was give it a bit of a paint job What about an old bucket?Granny on the Game in SheffieldComment
-
Originally posted by Florence Fennel View Post
Go for it! I use allsorts from coal skuttles to collanders and am now looking for an old pair of leather ankle boots to plant up with flowers
AKA AngieComment
-
I'm with you all the way. I have three deep plastic wastebins that had lost their beauty and usefulness for inside, but make brilliant containers for growing carrots - they are too high for the flies. Good luck with your hunt for the boots!Originally posted by selfraising View PostGo for it! I use allsorts from coal skuttles to collanders and am now looking for an old pair of leather ankle boots to plant up with flowersGranny on the Game in SheffieldComment
Comment